Cylinder lock for double action revolver

ABSTRACT

A double action revolver has a spring-biased cylinder lock with a projection for entering the locking notches of the cylinder at each cartridge position to lock the cylinder. The cylinder lock is positioned in the frame in lateral juxtaposed relationship to the trigger such that its pivot structure is rearward of the trigger pivot centerline to permit a longer cylinder crane leg. A pivot structure on the frame is received within an elongated cavity in the cylinder lock such that the cylinder lock is adapted to pivot about the pivot structure out of and into locking position during trigger pull and pivot about the projection during trigger return. A cam follower on the trigger contacts a first cam surface on the cylinder lock during trigger pull to unlock the cylinder and subsequently contacts a second cam surface on the cylinder lock to supplement the spring bias and preclude cylinder throw-by. The cylinder lock also has a third cam surface which is engaged by the cam follower during trigger return so as to cause the cylinder lock to pivot about the projection to such an extent that it is cleared by the cam follower. The hand or pawl is mounted upon the trigger in coaxial relationship with the cam follower so that the timing of the hand and the cam follower is referenced to a common axis.

United States Patent [191 Domian et al.

[ Nov. 4, 1975 CYLINDER LOCK FOR DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER [75] Inventors: Robert E. Domian, Tolland, Conn.;

Nicholas Sophinos, Long Meadow, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Colt Industries Operating Corporation, Hartford, Conn.

[22] Filed: Mar. 7, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 449,199

Primary Examiner-Verlin R. Pendegrass Assistant ExaminerC. T. Jordan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Radford W. Luther; Richard A. Dornon [57] ABSTRACT A double action revolver has a spring-biased cylinder lock with a projection for entering the locking notches of the cylinder at each cartridge position to lock the cylinder. The cylinder lock is positioned in the frame in lateral juxtaposed relationship to the trigger such that its pivot structure is rearward of the trigger pivot centerline to permit a longer cylinder crane leg. A pivot structure on the frame is received within an elongated cavity in the cylinder lock such that the cylinder lock is adapted to pivot about the pivot structure out of and into locking position during trigger pull and pivot about the projection during trigger return. A cam follower on the trigger contacts a first cam surface on the cylinder lock during trigger pull to unlock the cylinder and subsequently contacts a second cam surface on the cylinder lock to supplement the spring bias and preclude cylinder throw-by. The cylinder lock also has a third cam surface which is engaged by the cam follower during trigger return so as to cause the cylinder lock to pivot about the projection to such an extent that it is cleared by the cam follower. The hand or pawl is mounted upon the trigger in coaxial relationship with the cam follower so that the timing of the hand and the cam follower is referenced to a common axis.

3 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 1 of 2 3,916,551

FIGJ

Sheet 2 of2 3,916,551

US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 FlG 8 FIC3-7 FIClQ CYLINDER LOCK FOR DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cylinder locking devices for revolvers, and more particularly to cylinder locking devices for double action revolvers.

Conventional cylinder locks or cylinder bolts are operated by a projecting trigger nose which cams the cylinder lock out of a locking notch in the cylinder before the hand imparts a turning movement to the cylinder and subsequently by-passes the cylinder lock, thereby allowing a spring force to return the lock against the rotating cylinder. Usually, the cylinder lock and the trigger are arranged in tandem, thereby limiting the length of the cylinder crane leg. Since a long crane leg contributes to accurate alignment of the cranes spindle with the latch pin hole and minimum cylinder shake with a given journal-bearing fit, a long crane leg is highly desirable. In addition, should the spring force be insufficient to return the cylinder lock member against the periphery of the cylinder in a timely manner during rapid trigger movement, cylinder throw-by will occur. Furthermore, in conventional double action revolvers, the respective motions imparted to. the hand and the cylinder lock by the trigger are typically referenced to different locations thereupon, thereby contributing to tolerance build-up insofar as the timing of the hand and the cylinder lock is concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a cylinder lock in laterally juxtaposed relationship to the trigger with its pivot structure behind that of the trigger so as to furnish sufficient space for an extended space for an elongated crane leg and form a compact trigger-cylinder lock arrangement. The cylinder lock also includes a cam surface disposed such that a cam follower upon the trigger engages this surface to supplement the urging of a return spring and thereby preclude the possibility of cylinder throw-by. Also the, hand is mounted upon the trigger in coaxial relationship to the cam follower, thereby reducing tolerance build-up.

Accordingly, it is a primaryobject of the invention to provide a trigger-cylinder lock arrangement for a double action revolver which permits the incorporation of a longer crane leg.

Another object is to provide a trigger-cylinder lock arrangement for a double action revolver which precludes cylinder throw-by.

Yet another object is to provide a trigger-cylinder lock arrangement which reduces tolerance build-up.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section of a revolver of the invention, showing the trigger in the initial position and the cylinder lock in engagement with a locking notch on the periphery of the cylinder.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cylinder lock of FIG. 1. I

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cylinder lock of FIG. 2, taken along the line 33 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cylinder lock of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the trigger depressed and the cylinder lock withdrawn from locking engagement with the cylinder in a disengaged position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the trigger further depressed, the cylinder lock in an unlocking position, and the cam follower on the trigger in initial engagement with the cylinder lock return cam surface.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the trigger still further depressed to its firing position and the cylinder lock in its locking, or engaged, position.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the trigger in its return movement from the firing position with the cam follower pivoting the cylinder lock about the projection thereof so as to eventually clear the cylinder lock.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view, partly in section, taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a double action revolver of the invention with the components thereof in the initial or in rest position prior to firing, as may be occasioned by a depression or pulling of a trigger 10. The trigger 10 is mounted for rotation between extended and depressed positions upon a frame 12 by means of a laterally extending trigger pin 14. The trigger 10 has the usual single and double action sears l6 and 18, respectively, in the rear portion thereof.

A hammer 20 is mounted for rotation between cocked and fired positions upon a hammer pin 21. The hammer has a strut 22, a double action searing surface 24 and a single action searing surface 26. The double and single action searing surfaces 24 and 26 are respectively adapted to engage the double and single action sears l8 and 16 in the usual manner. Also mounted upon the frame for rotation relative thereto is a cylinder 28 which incorporates a plurality of conventional locking notches 30 on the periphery thereof and the usual ratchet (not shown).

A cylinder lock or bolt 32, having a projection 34 fashioned for reception in the locking notches 30, is mounted upon a laterally extending pin 36 secured to the frame 12 and partially contained within an elongated cavity 38 in the cylinder lock 32. The pin 36 serves a dual purpose in that it functions as a pivot structure for the cylinder lock 32 during rearward or counterclockwise trigger motion and also as a guide structure during forward or clockwise trigger motion when the cylinder lock pivots about the projection 34. A cylinder lock which undergoes similar motions but, in contrast to the presently depicted lock, is displaced by a hammer, is shown in U.Si. Pat. No. 3,696,543. The cylinder lock 32 is biased toward the engaged position of FIG. 1 by a compression spring 40 which has its upper end received in a bore 42 in the cylinder lock 32 and its lower end seated upon a shoulder 43 of the frame 12. In order to produce pivoting movement of the cylinder lock 32 about the pin 36 and the projection 34, a cam follower 44, in the form of a pin, projects laterally from the hidden side of the trigger 10 (see FIG. 9) in such a manner as to engage the hereinafter described cam surfaces on the cylinder lock 32 for producing the above-mentioned motions thereof. The cam 3 follower 44 has an extension 44a upon which the cylinder rotating hand or pawl 45 (FIG. 9) is pivotably mounted. It should be noted that the cam follower and the extension are in coaxial relationship to minimize tolerance build-up, as discussed hereinafter.

The detailed construction of the cylinder lock 32 is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The cylinder lock 32 includes first and second raised sections 46 and 48 which define the various cam surfaces contacted by the cam follower 44. The first raised section 46 has an unlocking cam surface 50 and a by-pass cam surface 52 formed thereupon. The second raised section 48 defines a locking cam surface 54. A sufficient space exists between the surfaces 50 and 54 to permit passage of the cam follower 44 therethrough.

The succeeding FIGURES illustrate the cooperative relationship between the cylinder lock 32 and the cam follower 44, as the trigger is moved to the depressed position and subsequently released. In FIG. 5, the trigger is partially pulled, thereby causing the cam follower 44 to pivot the cylinder lock 32 counterclockwise about the pin 36 by virtue of the cam followers contact with the unlocking cam surface 50. As the trigger 10 is further depressed, the cam follower 44 continues to slide therealong until clearing surface 50, as shown in FIG. 6. During this sliding engagement, while the cylinder 28 is rotating, the cylinder lock 32 essentially remains in the unlocking position.

As the cam follower 44 clears the unlocking cam surface 50 (FIG. 6), the right wall thereof engages the locking cam surface 54 to supplement the force of spring 40, which tends to return the cylinder lock 32 to the engaged position. By engaging the locking cam surface 54, the cam follower 44 positively commences the return motion of the cylinder lock 32 to ensure that cylinder throw-by does not occur, even in the event of a fast trigger pull or a weak spring force.

Upon clearing the locking cam surface 54, the force of spring 40, together with the angular momentum bestowed to the cylinder lock 32, causes the projection 34 to contact the periphery of the cylinder 28 and to subsequently enter a locking notch 30, as shown in FIG. 7, which also shows the trigger- 10 in its fully depressed position.

In FIG. 8, the trigger 10 is being returned to its original or extended position, while the cylinder lock is pivoting about the projection 34 and the parallel walls of the cavity 38 are sliding over the pin 36. This latter action is, of course, due to the downward force exerted upon the by-pass cam surface 52 by the cam follower 44. As the cam follower 44 clears the edge between the cam surfaces 50 and 52, the cylinder lock 32 snaps up, pivoting counterclockwise about the projections 34, to the original engaged position of FIG. 1. It should be noted that during the entire return movement of the trigger 10, the projection 34 is maintained in a locking notch 30 by the force supplied by the spring 40.

The compactness of a cylinder locking arrangement of the invention is evident from a study of FIGS. 8 and 9. Since the pivot pin 36 of the cylinder lock 32 lies rearwardly of the trigger pin 14, the end of the crane leg (not shown) for the cylinder 28 may extend to a location proximate the nose of the trigger 10. In addition, FIG. 9 reveals that the cylinder lock 32 is interposed between the trigger 10 and the frame 12 so as to economize space. Also, it will be noted that the cam follower 44 need only extend laterally a distance sufficient to ensure proper contact with the cam surfaces and does 4 not slide along the vertical exposed surface of the cylinder lock 32. This juxtaposed relationship is advantageous because it reduces friction and inhibits binding.

There is less tolerance build-up in a double action revolver of the invention than in prior art double action revolvers. This is because the hand pivot pin 44a is an extension of the cam follower. It should be noted that this permits the timing of the hand and the cylinder lock to be referenced to a common axis. In addition, this simple arrangement contributes to a reduction in machining operations.

The trigger-cylinder lock arrangement of the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications without sacrificing the advantages thereof. For example, it should be obvious that the illustrated cam follower could be replaced by two cam followers, i.e., one cam follower for the locking cam surfaces and another cam follower for the unlocking and by-pass cam surfaces. It is important to note that a cylinder lock of the invention could be mounted for pivoting movement only about the pivot pin thereof during trigger pull and trigger return. This could be easily accomplished by spring loading the cam follower toward the cylinder lock and providing an inclined end surface thereupon which would contact a surface upon the cylinder lock during trigger return so as to be pushed into the trigger, thereby enabling the trigger to by-pass the cylinder lock.

Obviously, other modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a double action revolver, the combination comprising:

a frame;

a trigger mounted upon the frame for rearward pivoting movement about a first axis between extended and depressed positions;

a cylinder, having a plurality of locking notches on the periphery thereof mounted for rotation upon the frame;

a cylinder lock, having a projection thereupon to suecessively engage the locking notches and lock the cylinder in a plurality of discrete positions, mounted upon the frame in juxtaposed relationship to the trigger for pivoting movement between engaged and disengaged positions about a second axis spaced rearwardly of the first axis;

spring means to urge the projection towards the cylinder so that it may engage one of the locking notches and thereby lock the cylinder; and

cam means to contact and pivot the cylinder lock from the engaged position to the disengaged position during rearward movement of the trigger from the extended position and to subsequently contact and pivot the cylinder lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during further rearward movement of the trigger so as to supplement the urging of the spring means and thereby prevent cylinder throw-by.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cam means comprises:

an unlocking cam surface on the cylinder lock;

a locking cam surface on the cylinder lock; and

a cam follower mounted on the trigger adapted to contact the unlocking cam surface during rearward movement of the trigger and to subsequently contact the locking cam surface during further rearward movement of the trigger.

3. In a double action revolver, the combination comprising:

a frame;

a trigger mounted upon the frame for rearward pivoting movement about a first axis between extended and depressed positions;

a cylinder, having a plurality of locking notches on the periphery thereof mounted for rotation upon the frame;

a cylinder lock, having a projection thereupon to successively engage the locking notches and lock the cylinder in a plurality of discrete positions and an unlocking cam surface, mounted upon the frame in juxtaposed relationship to the trigger for pivoting 6 movement between engaged and disengaged positions about a second axis :spaced rearwardly of the first axis;

spring means to urge the projection towards the cyl inder so that it may engage one of the locking notches and thereby lock the cylinder;

a cam follower mounted on the trigger for contacting the unlocking cam surface during rearward pivoting movement of the trigger to move the cylinder lock from the engaged position to the disengaged position; and

a hand mounted upon the trigger for pivoting movement about an axis coincident with the axis of the cam follower such that it is adapted to rotate the cylinder between the discrete positions. 

1. In a double action revolver, the combination comprising: a frame; a trigger mounted upon the frame for rearward pivoting movement about a first axis between extended and depressed positions; a cylinder, having a plurality of locking notches on the periphery thereof mounted for rotation upon the frame; a cylinder lock, having a projection thereupon to successively engage the locking notches and lock the cylinder in a plurality of discrete positions, mounted upon the frame in juxtaposed relationship to the trigger for pivoting movement between engaged and disengaged positions about a second axis spaced rearwardly of the first axis; spring means to urge the projection towards the cylinder so that it may engage one of the locking notches and thereby lock the cylinder; and cam means to contact and pivot the cylinder lock from the engaged position to the disengaged position during rearward movement of the trigger from the extended position and to subsequently contact and pivot the cylinder lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during further rearward movement of the trigger so as to supplement the urging of the spring means and thereby prevent cylinder throw-by.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the cam means comprises: an unlocking cam surface on the cylinder lock; a locking cam surface on the cylinder lock; and a cam follower mounted on the trigger adapted to contact the unlocking cam surface during rearward movement of the trigger and to subsequently contact the locking cam surface during further rearward movement of the trigger.
 3. In a double action revolver, the combination comprising: a frame; a trigger mounted upon the frame for rearward pivoting movement about a first axis between extended and depressed positions; a cylinder, having a plurality of locking notches on the periphery thereof mounted for rotation upon the frame; a cylinder lock, having a projection thereupon to successively engage the locking notches and lock the cylinder in a plurality of discrete positions and an unlocking cam surface, mounted upon the frame in juxtaposed relationship to the trigger for pivoting movement between engaged and disengaged positions about a second axis spaced rearwardly of the first axis; spring means to urge the projection towards the cylinder so that it may engage one of the locking notches and thereby lock the cylinder; a cam follower mounted on the trigger for contacting the unlocking cam surface during rearward pivoting movement of the trigger to move the cylinder lock from the engaged position to the disengaged position; and a hand mounted upon the trigger for pivoting movement about an axis coincident with the axis of the cam follower such that it is adapted to rotate the cylinder between the discrete positions. 